Dirtbagging 101: How To Prevent A Car Break In

I speak from experience...sadly. 

Let me preface this piece by saying that I've learned from experience how NOT to get your car broken into while your traveling. It was during a half-mile hike when our rented minivan had its window smashed in. Casualties included two GoPros, a Canon DSLR, a purse with all of its contents, a stuff sack filled with gadgets and a Gap scarf. Not sure why that last item was abducted but whatever.

I was inspired by this article from Surfer Magazine which details—in words direct from a robber's  mouth—how not to get robbed while surfing. It has a lot of practical tips that can be of value to other outdoorsmen because we're so often away from our cars with no way of bringing our valuables with us. I highly suggest reading the article at surfermag.com but here's a quick, adapted takeaway for the rest of us:

1. Don't advertise you're outdoorsy
I can proudly say I'm not a bumper sticker kind of girl, and now I feel validated for that—having a surf, kayak or climbing sticker on your car helps thieves identify you as someone who will be away from their car for longer periods of time.

2. Park in crowded areas
The shade from a tree will keep you car cool, but definitely unprotected. Park in a highly visible spot.

3. Keep gear to a minimum
As I can tell you, that's easier said than done, especially while traveling. But whenever possible, lock up your extra gear in the hotel room (or better yet, leave it at home) instead of in the car.

4. Don't rent a soft top
Convertibles and Jeeps are just so easy to break into (heck anyone with a knife can do it). Make sure all windows and car doors are locked...always.

5. Take the key with you
Don't hide it under your car, tuck it under the wheel or near the engine. If you can reach it, they can, too. If that means tucking it into your bra or bikini top, so be it (but keep in mind the Internet is full of solutions for something like this).

6. Get a better car
That's harsh, but a crappy car is just easier to break into.

What are your tips for keeping your car and valuables safe when you're outdoors?

Girl Gone Wild: Katie Boué's Cross-Country Van Trip

Photo by Katie Boué. The "Craggin Wagon."

In May of 2011, climber Katie Boué and her "big hairy boyfriend," Niko Monteiro, embarked on a five-week cross-country trip in Boué's parents' Pilot—a dream many of us have. After stint doing the whole "normal person" thing back in Miami, the duo decided they wanted to expand on their trip—for an entire year, to be precise.

So they're back on the road again, living in a van with just enough Internet service to stay connected and a stockpile of baby wipes to stay clean. They're calling it Simply Adventure, a year-long jaunt across the country in their van—dubbed the "Craggin' Wagon"—to practice climbing, educate people about the importance of caring for our crags and National Parks, and prove that real adventure is not only possible—it can be practical and inexpensive if you do it right. Two months into their trip, I caught up with Boué, a 24-year-old freelance copywriter, to see how her plans have changed so far and get her tips on making a simple cross-country trip a reality.

Aw so cute! Nike and Katie enjoyed the scenery.

You'd originally set out to visit every state in the country except two. Now that you're on the road, has the plan changed?
During the planning of the trip, Niko and I originally wanted to visit all 48 states on the mainland, but quickly decided to nix Oklahoma and Kansas because we've driven through them so many times. After finding out about some supposedly sweet climbing in the Wichita Mountains, we might be changing our minds again. Nearly two months into the trip and we've visited 10 states, from Florida to California to Utah.

Dirtbagging 101: Intro to Minimalist Running

Jon running, photo by Shiggy Ichinomiya.

Before I go and cause an uproar between believers and skeptics, let me say this: Minimalist running is not for everyone, but those runners who want to give it a try should do their homework, and I'm just touching on the basics here.

Minimalist running is, as the fashion glossies might say, all the rage right now, blossoming into a $1.7 billion industry in the past few years. So what is it? It involves wearing a running shoe that doesn't restrict on the body's natural biomechanics. Traditional, well-cushioned running shoes have built-in ankle support and an elevated heel, while minimalist shoes provide close to no cushioning and just enough material between your foot and the ground to prevent cuts and the spread of disease. The idea is that while you train in minimalist shoes, your feet will get stronger, you'll return to a more natural gait, and you'll be less prone to running injuries. Minimalist runners believe that the human foot will function at its best without synthetic and restrictive shoes.

Get Inspired: Write Down Your Reverse Bucket List

For some reason I thought I'd never see the Grand Canyon. I thought wrong!

It starts when we're kids and haunts us well into adulthood: "What do you want to be when you grow up? "Where do you want to go to college?" "Have you set a wedding date yet?" The endless onslaught of questions about the future has left most of us overvaluing what's next. It's why we tend to rush through our days with this sense of urgency, our weeks blurring into an endless scramble for some unattainable "tomorrow." And it can be exhausting.

So when Rebecca of The Uncaged Life introduced the idea of The Reverse Bucket List, it was like I finally had an excuse to chill out and look away from that light at the end of the tunnel. The idea's pretty simple: Instead of listing your goals for the future, you list the accomplishments you've already had. It's a great exercise in being appreciative in the success and adventures you've experienced instead of stressing yourself out over ones you may or may not ever see come into fruition. After all, we explore and travel to make memories—why not look back and enjoy them once in a while? Here's a taste of what's on mine:

-Did my first lead climb.
-Learned how to surf.
-Moved across the country by myself.
-Tried deep-sea fishing (and baited my own hooks).
-Started a blog.
-Became a magazine editor just a few years out of college.
-Rode dirt bikes with Jolene from Nitro Circus.
-Went to the Billabong Big Wave awards.
-Flew in a two-man plane.
-Hiked in Yosemite and Zion.

My list goes on from there, but just that chunk made me both grateful for the past year and even more stoked for this one. Try it!

What It's Like: To Be A Surfing Magazine Swim Issue Model

Amanda Booth in a Beach Riot bikini shooting Surfing Magazine's Swimsuit Issue 2013. Photo via the Swim Issue Facebook page.

Most of us are shy about letting someone take our photo in a bikini, let alone plaster it on the pages of a glossy like Surfing Magazine. Not Amanda Booth, the gorgeous-as-all-getout blonde who graces Surfing's 2013 Swim Issue for the second year in a row. We caught up with her to find out what it's actually like to be a swim issue model— turns out she's a pizza-eating, real-deal surfer with honest advice for living out of a van, and we love her to death:

You've appeared in Surfing's annual swim issue before. Were you excited to get the call again?
I was very excited! I don't often have the chance to partake in modeling jobs that involve things I actually like in my "real" life. Not to mention it was a location shoot—I never get to go on those, so I was most looking forward to traveling with such a rad crew.

Behind-the-scenes. Photo by Amanda Booth.

Tell me about preparing to be in a swim issue. Do you train or eat differently?
I don't do what you would imagine a model to do before shooting swimwear. I guess I eat one less slice of pizza...but I still eat the pizza! The only thing I worry about is poop babies (is that okay to say?). You're up at the butt crack of dawn—pun intended. Four in the morning was our usual call time to be sure to shoot during the best hours of light during the day. Traveling around the world is enough to give you a belly ache, let alone being up that early in a house of 15 strangers. So I just be sure to eat a lot of good fiber a few days before.

WATCH: Alana Blanchard's Training Routine

Alana modeling for Rip Curl.

Alana Blanchard is the vixen of the surf world—fluid and strong in the water but feminine and sexy on the beach—leaving brands clamoring after her as a model and team rider. At this moment, she's got the whole package, but after watching the new video from her Surfer Girl series, I think she's realizing exactly what goes into having longevity in the surf world:

Training is so crucial to every aspect of your outdoor life, even surfing (I should say especially surfing). The more flexibility, strength and stamina you have, the better you'll perform and the longer you'll stay in the game. I think Alana realizes in this video how far she has to go to level up with Kelly Slater, a 41-year-old force of nature beating out kids half his age in competition. You don't get like that by eating cupcakes and jogging once a week. So get out there, get sweaty, and improve your situation (no matter how good you look in a bikini).

Editor's Letter: A Little Elbow Grease

Dear Darlings,

An editor's letter? Really? I know DirtbagDarling.com is far from magazine pedigree, but it never hurts to share a sneak peek at what's next.

It's getting warmer, which means it's almost time to put on my bikini and lay around all day—just kidding! Spring means I can dive full-force back into my favorite activities: rock climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, camping, biking, surfing and trail running. But a long list of activities means I need to be in tip-top shape if I want to advance my skill level—it's time to Get Sweaty.

The next few weeks are devoted to getting fit and training smart. We'll delve into minimalist/barefoot running, trail running and standup paddleboarding yoga while trying out every class our gyms offer. We'll also be unrolling two new sections: What It's Like—where we walk in the shoes of interesting people—and Dirtbagging 101, a series of easy-to-follow how-to lessons for beginners.

In addition to all of this, watch out for workout tips (including some from the most kick-ass celebrities), a Clif Bar-inspired recipe, nutrition ideas, more product reviews, and even printable training plans. If you notice some changes to the website, bear with me—I'm trying to make it a little more navigable.

How do you get in shape? Tweet me or Instagram me a photo @dirtbagdarling #getsweaty—I'll be giving away random prizes throughout the month.

Live Adventurously,

Johnie and the Dirtbag Darling Team

Girl Gone Wild: SUP Yoga Instructor Emma Rossoff

Have you ever met someone who you thought was going to be awesome, then she turned out to be even better? That's kind of what I have going on with Emma Rossoff. I got in contact with her when I wrote this piece about Outdoor Vino and immediately wanted to know more. It started with her covetable position as Tasting Room Manager at Naked Winery near Hood River, Oregon, where she gets hands on with sales, staff and, yes, tastes wine. Then it was her summer job running an outdoor yoga program, followed by her winter job running the Sno-Blasters Kids Snow Sports program at Mt. Hood Meadows. To top off it all off, the girl is stunning. Amazing home base, dream jobs, killer body and personality to boot? I think it's safe to say she fits in here.

Oregon is such a wonderful place to live for an outdoorswoman. What activities do you take part in?
I love to ski and snowboard on Mount Hood, and standup paddle board and kite board on the Columbia River. Down winders on the SUP [standup paddle] are some of the best adventures.

You were one of the pioneers of SUPYoga—what are the benefits of practicing on the water?
It challenges your core stabilization muscles and your senses more than on dry land. You're surrounded by beauty, which can sometimes distract or overwhelm you, so you have to be more focused. The consequences of falling in the water are way more fun (and refreshing) than falling on a studio floor, so one might be encouraged to get into an inversion, for example. It's a total confidence booster.

What's one piece of gear you're loving right now?
I'm loving my Marcy ear-flapped beanie by Pistil and my Omni Mitts by DaKine—both essential for winter in Hood River. The Naish 12'6" Glide is the best all-around SUP for me. It's wide and stable enough for SUPYoga, fast in the flat water and easy to carry.

Tell me about picking up kiteboarding.
I had a nightmarish adventure learning how to kite off Jetty Island near Seattle a few years before moving to Hood River. I launched myself into the air and crash-landed into the sand. My friend had to spend an hour saving the kite I was using. When I moved to Hood River, I invested in five or more hours of private lessons...essential! Even though the gear is much safer, everyone should learn from a certified instructor. Kiting on the water together with my husband is one of the coolest things we share, although one of us is usually on the beach with toddler duty.

Working at a winery seems like a great job—how does your career help you lead an outdoorsy lifestyle?
At Naked Winery, "we aim to tease!", so it's always fun. Several of us also work for Mount Hood Meadows during the winter, including one of our owners. He understands the importance of keeping it real and we even have a brand of wine that represents that with Outdoor Vino.

What are the top three items on your bucket list right now?
1. Standup paddle the Colombia River to the Pacific Ocean.
2. Hike the Pacific Crest Trail south to north with my family.
3. Hold Pinca Mayurasana on a SUP.

Check back next month because Emma is showing us three easy yoga moves to try on our SUP boards right here! 

Get Gear: Artist Claire Oring X Billabong Collection

This article originally appeared on GrindTV.com. 

Artist collaborations are nothing new, but this one's a doozy: Billabong's teamed up with Los Angeles-native Claire Oring for a summer collection of tops, tees and swimwear featuring hand-drawn illustrations by Oring (who also shot the lookbook) and modeled by team rider/artist/singer Lindsay Perry (who also designed graphics for the lookbook). It's talent overload up in here, so instead of grilling the girls on their work for the collection I let them do the talking for me. Here, Claire and Lindsay dish on their favorite pieces from the collection and their creative process:

Lindsay Perry: I love your style of work. Where do you usually begin with a piece?

Claire Oring: I start with lots of messy graphite scribbles testing out different compositions. I try all sorts of things and then combine my favorite parts of each one into one design.

LP: You're also a great photographer. How do you get ideas for your shoots?

CO: I love being swept away by a story, especially a story that's solely visual so you have to connect the dots yourself by finding clues from what's in front of you. I often draw inspiration from mythology and folklore and wonder how I can make it my own. Your two collages for the lookbook are incredible. Where they planned or an experiment?

LP: Funny you ask. A lot of times I start with one idea and by the time I'm finished, it's completely different. What inspired me with those two pieces was the overall vibe of your photos. The colors were soft and almost muted, so I wanted something that would accent the designs and feel of the location. The lighthouse was big inspiration as well. I've always been into collage making, and this was the most intricate piece I've made with that concept. What was your favorite piece from this collection?

CO: I love the one-piece sit because I think it's so cool that a Polaroid is now a swimsuit. Also, my mermaid skeleton illustration. What's yours?

LP: Definitely the one-piece bikini. I love the print and cut. As for the tees, I love the V-neck tee with the floral heart on it—delicate and simple.

CO: Does art influence your personal style?

LP: I definitely think so. I'm braver with my fashion because of it—I like to mix things up. I love fringe, fur coats, and high-tops. Do you think living in LA has an impact on your style?

CO: Yes! I'm such a proud Californian. I grew up in Manhattan Beach, and I loved growing up in a laidback beach town with one of the most culturally relevant cities in the world a short drive away. I love the trend-setting vibe of this city. Another bonus of LA is all the nature surrounding it. Nature is an important ingredient in my world so I appreciate its availability.

Thanks girls! Shop the line here.

Dirtbagging 101: Breaking In Your Hiking Boots

Photo by Dirtbag Darling.

Nothing beats the smell of fresh-from-the-store hiking boots, but wearing them to hike in Yosemite straight out of the box? Diaster. You're pretty much asking for blisters, bleeding and a crappy time. Save your feet and your memories by taking a few days or weeks to break in your boots first. Here's how:

1. Make sure they fit right at the store.
Your boots will stretch a bit over time, but not enough to make you size 7.5 boots fit your size 8 feet. Ask a salesperson to help and take your time making sure the boots fit right before you check out.
*Tip: Bring thick wool socks to the store so you can test the boots for cold-weather hikes, too.

2. Wear your outdoors shoes inside.
Lace your boots up tightly when you hop out of bed and wear them while you cook breakfast and get ready for work. They'll feel a little stiff, but take notice of any severe pinching or rubbing—you may need to dig out your receipt and make a return.

3. Go for a short outdoor walk.
Once your boots feel like they fit well, run some errands or take the dog for a walk while wearing them. Wear them for short periods of time often, until they start to form to your feet and the ankle support softens a bit. Heavy-duty leather boots will take longer to break in than their lighter cousins.

4. Don't ignore hot spots.
A little irritation at home can quickly turn into a deal breaker on the trail, especially once you add the weight of a pack. If you notice significant rubbing or pinching, you'll want to exchange your boots, though some problem areas can be fixed at a shoe-repair shop.

5. Be prepared for blisters anyway.
Educate yourself on basic first aid even if you shoes fit well. If you're a serious hiker or backpacker, you'll be in the same boots day after day over long distances. Invest in high-quality shoes, but be ready for injuries. Try preventing blisters with a great product called Blister Shield, which I reviewed over at GrindTv.

Play Outside Challenge Day 12: #BeKindToMotherEarth

Today's Instagram #PlayOutside challenge is pretty amazing—we've teamed up with Lauren and Molly of Kind Campaign to send our winner a beautiful T-shirt from their new collaboration with Element Eden. If you aren't familiar with Kind Campaign, go check it out. It's a documentary, school program and world-wide movement to end girl-on-girl bullying, and was launched by Lauren and Molly back when they were in college.

The message is simple: think before you speak, and strive to be kind. That goes for Mother Earth, too. Pack up your trash, stay on the trails, take care of our planet—it's the only one we've got!

To enter to win, just upload a photo of what being kind to Mother Earth means to you, tagging @dirtbagdarling @kindcampaign and using the hashtag #playoutside. Our favorite image wins this T-shirt! Good luck.

Get Gear: Roxy and Designer Diane Von Furstenberg Launch New Swimwear Collection

Photo courtesy of Roxy.

If you need proof surf has officially infiltrated fashion, look no further than Roxy's new collaboration with world-renowned fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg. The surf brand (which has been have quite a prolific year with the launch of its first outdoor fitness line earlier this winter) teamed up with the designer for their spring and summer swimwear collection. Borrowing the same bright and graphic influences used in her own collections, Von Furstenberg designed the Roxy line to include bathing suits, cover-ups, boardshorts, rashguards, beach bags, and even a few custom surfboards.

DVF, photo courtesy of Roxy.

"The one thing my mother taught me was fear is not an option," said Von Furstenberg in an interview for Roxy.com. "You should follow your heart like you ride a wave."

Designed for "women who want to be the woman they want to be," pieces like the printed green '70s halter bikini top and lowrider side-tie bikini bottoms offer distinct style without compromising the snug fit Roxy usually delivers its surf-devoted fan base. After all, Von Furstenberg knows that "the surfer girl wants to surf!"

Shop the collection now at roxy.com!

Base Camp: Conservationist Ocean Ramsey Swims with Great White Sharks

I'm not a naturally fearless person. It's pretty simple: Some of us are born adrenaline junkies and some of us aren't. That doesn't mean I don't like a thrill—I've jumped off cliffs, shimmied into dark caves and snorkeled above some pretty big sharks. But let's make one thing very clear: if those sharks had started swimming my way, I'd have been out of the water faster than you could say "Holy murder fish."

Not so for Ocean Ramsey, the star of a new GoPro video that went viral around Valentine's Day. In the short clip titled "A Blonde and a Great White Shark," the freediver and stunningly beautiful model slips  into peaceful blue water in a shark cage as a calming tune lures you in. She then proceeds to swim out of the cage, approach a Great White shark and enjoy a ride latched onto the shark's dorsal fin. Let me repeat that: swims out of cage, grabs shark fin, goes for ride. (Watch the video after the jump)

Terrible Boyfriend Pushes Girl Off Cliff

One of the first dates I went on with my significant other was to Malibu State Creek Park, and it was there I decided he would be a great boyfriend and, maybe more importantly, a trustworthy partner for my outdoor pursuits. Picture this: I'm on top of a rocky cliff looking down over a murky pool of sunbathers all beckoning for me to jump. Nerves are on edge, heart is pumping, pressure is coming at me from all angles and the last thing I want to do is leap off that cliff. But then I hear my new boyfriend assuring me that if I don't feel comfortable doing it I won't have to—trust my gut. Long story short, I jumped (and did it again about five more times after that), but only because I knew I had support from someone willing to let me back out. It was my choice to move forward or back out.

That's why when I came across this video about rock climbers setting up a 300-foot fall canyon rope swing, something didn't sit right. Fast forward to about 12 minutes in and one unlucky woman ends up at the bottom of a pendulum 300 feet below the camera all because her boyfriend wanted her there. Not cool.

This woman had decided the rope swing wasn't for her—and her boyfriend should have respected that. Instead, he made the situation worse by pressuring her and eventually pushing her off the cliff. He broke a very important line of trust between two people in a relationship. She actually begged him: "Please don't push me off. Please don't," but he launched her anyway. Let it be a lesson to you: Just because you're ready to try something outdoors doesn't mean everyone else it. Encourage others to try something that scares them, but if they say flat out they don't want to, don't force them. Don't break your line of trust.

"She'll thank me later," says the guy in the video. I think she will—when she's with a new boyfriend she can actually trust.

What do you think? Am I overreacting? 

UPDATE: Looks like the girl in the video has been going around defending this guy after all the bad press he got. I still have to go with my original thoughts here—she flat out asked him not to push her, and that's the bottom line! 

Get Pretty: The Best Self-Tanners to Get You A Glow

Photo via Minimale Animale

I have one very important rule before I'll put on a bikini: I must be tan. But I refuse to let my skin get all wrinkly and crinkly and risk skin cancer. Dilemma.

So, yes, I've stained many a palm trying to get glowy with self tanners, and I've been every shade of tan there is from subtle to carrot. Here, my absolute favorites:

1. Kate Somerville Somerville360 Face Self Tanning Pads
These are like the Holy Grail of face tanners—small applicators with built-in exfoliators that actually give your face a real-looking glow without giving you that weird orange tint around your eyebrows and hairline. Plus, because your hands never touch the formula, no need to even wash up after you apply. So perfect, no complaints here except the price (but listen, it's well worth it).

$45, katesomerville.com

2. True Natural Tropical Tan Self Tanner, Dark Tan
I hate putting chemicals on my skin, but with this self-tanner I have no fears. It's an all-natural formula made with Green Tea extract, organic aloe vera and cupuacu butter and it delivers really great color. It's not quite as dark as I was hoping for, but being as it's the dead of winter here, it's probably doing the best it can against my paleness. For the price, it's a beautiful find.

$22.99, truenatural.com

3. Beautisol Need I Glow More? Face Self-Tanning Lotion
If you already have a base tan going and want that dramatic "just got back from Bali" color, this is your end all be all. The formula gives you an instant hint of color that develops into a sunbaked bronze in a few hours—no streaks in sight. Too good. Just don't panic when it goes on because it's a dark one—it'll blend in seamlessly overnight.

$23, beautisol.com

4. Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tan Lotion
No matter how many self tanners I try, I always go back to this one. It gives you dark color, doesn't smell offensive like most other versions, and lasts forever since you only need a little bit each time you apply. It's affordable, but be careful when you apply—your hands could stain unless you wash immediately after (I actually use Orange Goo from my dad's workshop) or buy the application mitt.

$29.95, sunlabsonline.com

There you have it, the best of the best in my humble (slightly tanner) opinion.